Wednesday, December 11, 2013

I love the convenience of giving gift cards at Christmas. But I never feel like I'm giving a real gift when I give one . . . you know, a real gift - a package with wrapping and ribbon. So, what I've taken to doing is to give a handful of homemade cards with the gift cards. I have A LOT of cards in my stash, so I choose a nice assortment and bundle them up with the gift card. Most people really seem to appreciate them (because people always need cards but many people don't have the time or know-how to make cards). A few years ago, for my brothers and sisters, I took collage sheets I made with family heritage photos and used them to make simple note cards. They were a big hit.

I got this idea from a pair of cards I received in a card swap. The cards were created by Debbie B, and her original card (with the Dubai postage stamp) is below. If you would like more layers on your card (or if your patterned paper background is not busy enough), you can add some stenciling on the patterned paper and stamped script, like I did in the "Daddy's Girl" card below.

You may be wondering - what is a collage sheet? It's basically a collection of images that you can cut up and use in your art. You can buy them at places likeartchix, or you can find lots of free downloadable collage sheets by googling free downloadable collage sheets. Here'sa linkthat's a nice start (you just click on her image and it will give you a screen that you can print out).

p.s. This post is a combination of a couple of posts from 2009. I got the idea to freshen them up and repost from Sian's "Blog cos you want to" Suggestion #2: Play on the Popular. You can read her great idea here.

I think this is an inspired choice for a re-post - you can tell already by the comments that it has reached a new audience!

It's a brilliant idea too, to give a set of cards. I have given my Mum a collection of shop bought ones to keep on hand. But now I've been doing more cardmaking, maybe she'd like some home made ones too

Great idea to give these cards as gifts. I just visited a dear friend who is in a senior living home. I bet she would love to get a set of handmade cards as there seems to be a birthday in the home every month. Thanks for the idea.

Maria "Rinda" Ontiveros

Artist & Blogger

2016 Summertime Scavenger Hunt

The List!

1. A "wild heart" - a naturally occurring heart (like the rock above, but it doesn't have to be a rock)2. A footprint or pawprint3. A skeleton, bone or x-ray4. A book or magazine read during 20165. A porch or deck6. A camper (caravan)7. A family gathering8. A drawing, art project, artistic photograph, scrapbook page, greeting card, or art journal page created by you.9. Someone playing with, in, or around water.10. A bicycle11. Fresh produce12. A window13. The moon14. A buffet of food15. A team logo16. A map showing a trip taken during the time period17. Twins18. A supermarket cart, basket or trolley full of groceries 19. A seasonal cocktail or beverage20. Someone laughing21. A photograph of you with a newspaper or calendar page from the time period covered in the Hunt. Note: you may not use a substitute for this item.Alternatives - if you're having trouble finding any of the above, you may substitute from this list (but you may not substitute for item #21):alternative 1: a lighthousealternative 2: a baby (human or animal)